WHITCHURCH coach Scott Sturdy has wasted no time in planning for next season after relegation from Midlands 1 West was confirmed following his team’s 38-25 reverse at home to Burton.

Defeat means the Reds cannot escape the bottom three, with only pride at stake in Saturday's trip to basement rivals Crewe and Nantwich in the last game of a disappointing season.

Both sides will be dropping down to the Midlands Two North (West) for next term, so will want to end the campaign on a positive note.

Sturdy is already looking ahead to next season which will include the recruitment of an assistant coach, the addition of three or  four new players as well as hoping to keep the nucleus of this season's squad.

“We are all bitterly disappointed, angry and hurting, but we cannot change anything now,” he said.

“I have already started to put plans in place for next season, which will include bringing in an assistant coach.

“To come straight back up is our aim, and we will be looking to put right the wrongs."

*For a full rugby round-up, see this week's Whitchurch Herald.